Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

University Seminar

University Seminar Rationale

Courses with the University Seminar (US) core designation are primarily intended for first-year students throughout all curricula to provide a platform for collegiate level discourse. Activities that hone written and oral communication skills are universally incorporated, but the themes represented in individual US core courses vary considerably to reflect the department or program from which the course originates. All US core courses are small in size and rely heavily on seminar-style teaching where course content is delivered by discussion and interaction rather than by lecture. This learning environment promotes vibrant interactions between first-year students, a faculty member, and in many courses, a more experienced student fellow. US core courses provide a venue where students can enjoy rigorous academic discussions that promote critical thinking, learning, and understanding in a supportive and truly collegiate manner.

Student Learning Outcomes

Through completion of the US Core students will:

Demonstrate critical thinking abilities

Prepare and deliver an effective oral presentation

Demonstrate analytical, critical, and creative thinking in written communication